SAMHSA Releases Updated CCBHC Criteria

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the updated Certified Community Behavioral Clinic (CCBHC) criteria. To develop the updated CCBHC Criteria, SAMHSA gathered input from the public, key stakeholders, and federal partners. The updated criteria seek to strengthen and update the criteria without significantly adding to the state or clinic burden. SAMHSA updated and revised the criteria to:

1) respond to developments in the field (e.g., newer terminology, 988 and the crisis continuum, emerging best practices, workforce shortages),

2) update criteria that are no longer current (e.g., reference to outdated electronic health record standards), and

3) address areas suggested by CCBHCs, states, and other stakeholders.

*It should be noted that Georgia may have more stringent criteria than SAMHSA. Georgia certification criteria including required evidence-based practices (EBPs) are being finalized. It will require a CCBHC to offer services across their catchment area and be accredited by NADD Home - The NADD. 

Map of CCBHCs Across the United States (as of March 6, 2023)

Currently, there are over 500 CCBHCs operating across the country, as either CCBHC-E grantees, as clinics participating in their state’s Medicaid demonstration, or as a part of independent state CCBHC programs.